Chatting with Jeff Gordon on his new role with Hendrick
Jeff Gordon, a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, won 93 races from 1992 until his retirement from full-time racing in 2015, all with Hendrick Motorsports.
NASCAR just wrapped up its season in phoenix and soon-to-be Hendrick Motorsports vice-chairman Jeff Gordon was back in North Carolina to give back.
Hendrick Motorsports earned its 14th championship Sunday when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag at Phoenix Speedway. Back in the Carolinas Wednesday, though, it was all about raising awareness for a greater cause.
The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation teamed up with the Crayon Initiative to help sort and melt otherwise discarded crayons to make new crayons that will be donated to the hospitalized children at Atrium Health Cabarrus through Gordon's foundation. It's a simple gesture that will certainly bring some joy in a much needed time.
MORE HERE: www.wcnc.com/article/features...
Пікірлер: 291
Jeff Gordon is the reason I started watching Nascar. I kept hearing about him winning all the time.. I was like “I have to check this out”
@a.acevedo
2 жыл бұрын
👍 cool Dupont car too!
It’s weird how things work.. I used to hate Jeff Gordon in the 90s but he really grew on me over the years… and now it doesn’t feel the same without him on the grid each Sunday..
@irongoatrocky2343
2 жыл бұрын
Jrh2005 hes still there you just don't see him like when he was on the track or in the booth!
@rdaws73
2 жыл бұрын
Thats how I felt back then too. Now that the old guard are retired, I'm not that invested anymore. Just dont get the same vibe from todays drivers that I did from the 80/90s-2000s drivers.
@Alcisco504
2 жыл бұрын
Same here bro! He is truly an asset to the sport of NASCAR!
Congratulations #24 Jeff Gordon been a fan since day one never once doubted your success.
Jeff Gordon retires. Jimmie Johnson retires, and 1 year later Hendrick is back with multiple championship winning drivers in it's lineup. Wow.
@tritontransport
2 жыл бұрын
Rick knows talent and hires it when he sees it all the way from shop janitor to driver. It’s more about that than the money. He hired the best even when he started with pennies to spend
@jimiozone4739
2 жыл бұрын
More to do with Chad Knaus than former drivers but ok
@mitchtavio
2 жыл бұрын
The new Chevy body was a huge turning point for them.
@graywolf4696
2 жыл бұрын
It's kinda like the Alabama Crimson Tide football program! They do the same thing year after year!
This makes my heart feel good that Jeff is going to big part of Hendrick going into the future. Seeing Jeff celebrate with Kyle and the #5 team after the race Sunday made me smile. I've been a Rainbow Warrior since 1997 Southern 500.
@mikeyliberti4137
2 жыл бұрын
That last sentence is a little fruity there bud
@joycespencer744
2 жыл бұрын
I am still a Jeff Gordon fan he was my driver now I am happy for Kyle Larson 🏁🏁
@FredErickinNashville
2 жыл бұрын
@@joycespencer744 Heck yeah, I'm more excited for Hendrick and Nascar more than I've been in 15 years.
@mryetiboi7953
2 жыл бұрын
@@mikeyliberti4137 😂
This man saved NASCAR. Its stars were aging rapidly and they desperately needed someone to take the torch from Earnhardt/Petty and they struck gold when he came up.
@danielcate7765
2 жыл бұрын
Kyle Larson may be saving it now. After Jeff, Jimmie, Tony, Matt, Carl etc have retired, every owner is looking for the next Jeff Gordon. Once again Hendrick has 4 young guns that can fill the void. Larson will be a force to be delt with for years to come.
@JJA1987
2 жыл бұрын
Larson isn't saving anything nor is he the next Jeff - He's his own person
@comradeeverclear4063
2 жыл бұрын
@@JJA1987 You entirely missed the context of his comment....
@sergeantmasson3669
Жыл бұрын
Todd Taylor, if not for Ray Evernham, Jeff Gordon would've been a nobody. Bill Davis only hired Jeff Gordon IF Ray Evernham was part of the package.
@ismetduratovic5266
Жыл бұрын
Hhhbh
I miss Jeff racing, but so happy to see him having a great time.
His rivalry with dale sr was the best rivalry that nascar has ever seen. He’s definitely top 3 all time. Dale sr, Richard petty and Jeff Gordon is my top 3 all time.
@tstuff1213
2 жыл бұрын
Jimmie Johnson...? Where is he on your list?
@comradeeverclear4063
2 жыл бұрын
@@tstuff1213 Solid 4th place.
does the world know how much in esteem we fans hold JG ?? For us under50 he took Nascar from the "spittin, ceegar smokin, good ol boys" of the 1950's to a 20-30 year old watching Nascar for the first time and feeling there was a place for us; the environmental, "let's change the world" gen. Special guy. Besides great driver, dad, Hall of Famer, intelligent and talented speaker. He changed Nascar.
This was a great interview with Jeff. so honest and no hype. Great job.
HMS will continue success with Jeff at the helm.
I cannot put into words the love I have for this man. My whole childhood!
The true GOAT right there. Part of me thinks that Mr. H looks at Jeff almost as a son.
@CJ-lh8so
2 жыл бұрын
Mr. H seems to have that relationship with many of his long term drivers. Junior always referred to him as a guy who was like a Father to him.
@robrohrer2014
2 жыл бұрын
He's sure as hell one if'em💯
@jwrailve3615
2 жыл бұрын
Jeff was my childhood hero. My father was and always has been a Gordon fan from the very beginning and we watched all three practices qualifying and all three series races thursdays through Sunday as a kid. He looks like Rick now haha
@waydebaker33
2 жыл бұрын
I'd love someone whose made me millions as well.
@FlightData101
2 жыл бұрын
@@waydebaker33 Their relationship has been mutually beneficial. Jeff’s put plenty of dough in Rick’s pocket too.
I was absolutely torn when I heard Jeff was retiring. I grew up a mega fan of him thanks to my grandpa (love you pops) but now seeing the position he’s being put in, has got me just as excited as the 2015 Martinsville win that put him in the Championship 4. I’m blessed to still be young at 21 and knowing I’ll be able to see his career grow even more and see what history he can make with Hendrick in the future. I’ll be a 24 lifer ‘til my last breath. Respect to the legend.
@sergeantmasson3669
11 ай бұрын
@Dylan_The_Car_Dealer, Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham were both cheaters. Same for Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus
Jeff has always remained such a humble guy through all his success and hasn’t lost touch of reality or the fans
@Rbrbrb56
2 жыл бұрын
Definitely a class act guy. He always saw the bigger picture beyond the track, even in his early days. Intense competitor, even if he didn’t show it externally. Prototype driver for sure.
Man it feels great seeing all these drivers going into ownership roles, Brad, Tony, Denny, Junior, Jeff.
@S.K.R.E.Inc.
2 жыл бұрын
Brad is more of a partnership, Tony has a team? Denny has his hands full with racing and owning a team alongside Space Jam Jordan. Junior was originally meant to inherit his late father's business with Michael Waltrip acting as the face and PR of the team and the former's sister Kelly as financial advisor. Alas, the 3 were screwed out of it by she-who-is-always-a-witch to everyone. And Jeff Gordon is no longer the Kid or Wonder Boy, he is Jeff Hendrick Gordon, the VP of Hendrick Motorsports and the eventual successor for when the founder retires. No other racer can fill that role but him. I wish him nothing but the best in his new role and not let anyone drag him down
@thevinceberry
2 жыл бұрын
@@S.K.R.E.Inc. Stewart-Haas is Tony's team. Not like Haas can run a team anyway
@imjusstchillin5776
2 жыл бұрын
@@S.K.R.E.Inc. I'm not sure what you were going for but about 3 of those dont make sense
@michaelmcchesney6904
10 ай бұрын
What are you rambling about? Look at RFK since Brad has taken OWNERSHIP. all of these people are very much involved and it’s making the sport better.
That company is in great hands !!
Perfect position for Jeff, and the future of Hendrick racing
Good Luck! Jeff. Met Mr. Hendricks at the campus in 2019. What a Great Experience! Chase was there too! They talked with us like we were old friends, “EVEN LET US RING THE BELL” They really listen to us and made us feel very welcome, can’t wait to go back!
This is so great, I have been a fan of Jeff's ever since day one of his career. Also a fan of Hendrick Racing.
I have followed Jeff since his start in the cup series and this is just AWESOME!! Don't sweat it Jeff you know what your doing!!
I will truly miss Jeff and Clint doing the NASCAR races on tv
Jeffs always wanted Larson even before chip got him! Hendrick didn't take Larson back then and even he said he screwed up but made sure he get him this year !!
Absolutely love Jeff Gordon i met him in NYC many years ago, what an amazing Man He has always been my favorite driver Just cant say enough about him as an individual !! Miss him on the track and in the announcing booth !! He will truly be an asset in the offices at the new role at HMS !!
When Jeff Gordon, The GOAT says, i'm not as talented as he is, you know Larson is special!
@teamwinterracing7150
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed.
@charlieb8788
2 жыл бұрын
Almost as good as what Smoke said... greatest driver he ever saw.
@nascarandbowlingfan3888
2 жыл бұрын
The goat lol not even close Dale 7 Jeff 4
@dapperdave918
2 жыл бұрын
@@nascarandbowlingfan3888 Dale had one points format his whole career, Jeff gets the 7* based on winston format. Also jeff didn’t need to rough up competition to get wins. Jeff>Dale
@RichieAprile78
2 жыл бұрын
@@dapperdave918 neither did Dale did ever watch him race! people also wrecked him a lot.
Great interview. Mr. Hendrick has once again "raised the bar" of success as he pretty much turns the reins over to Jeff Gordon to lead Hendrick Motorsports next year. He could not have picked a better person for the job. Excited to see the success continue in the coming years.
Big Daddy! Jeff is a certifiable wheelman. He’s gunna have a lot of fun in his new role @ HMS & I see great things being done.
@greguhde9948
2 жыл бұрын
Best of the best ( EVER )
As a Joe Gibbs fan, (not anti Hendricks) Jeff is the epitome of class as well as the Hendricks organization!
Rick and Linda Hendricks = truly classy people who do so much good on and off the racetrack. Jeff Gordon will help keep Rick's legacy alive.
Mr H has made a great person greater! All the best to you Jeff!
Its amazing to see Jeff's evolution. When I became a Nascar fan in the mid 1990's this talented man become one of my heroes. Congratulations Jeff Gordon and may your success continue to inspire 🙏🏿✊🏾
Fantastic organization. Keep it rolling Jeff!!
I’ve watched nascar since the late 70s and I was a Jeff Gordon fan since 94. Jeff was going to start his own team and Rick gave him the partnership on the 48 and it has only grown from there, so this is nothing new just the next progression in the Hendricks race team. Jeff has been molded for this position for many years.
@liamgriffin218
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I would be completely shocked if Jeff Gordon doesn't completely take over HMS when Mr. H eventually retires at the age of 115
Congratulations! Well earned and deserved. Never rooted for you but always respected you and your skill. God bless
Gordon coming in as a young person and achieving what he did, you are seeing history in the making. I actually remember when Gordon first started.
Jeff said he is not as talented as Kyle. That’s how good Kyle is. Jeff knows how to pick them.
@billtmarchi4320
2 жыл бұрын
Apparently eating a lot of lunches is part of his role at Hendricks.
@sergeantmasson3669
2 жыл бұрын
@@ray5177 If not for Ray Evernham, Jeff Gordon would've been a nobody.
@matthewpaul2324
2 жыл бұрын
@@sergeantmasson3669 yeah, evernham did great as an owner…
@sergeantmasson3669
2 жыл бұрын
@@matthewpaul2324 I mentioned NOTHING about Evernham being an owner. Majority of Jeff Gordon's success is because of Ray Evenham. BTW, Ray Evernham is still a consultant with HMS.
@lewiskemp5893
2 жыл бұрын
Tony said Kyle is the best. If Jeff and Tony say it. Believe it
Jeff is still the most literate guy in NASCAR to this day. Congrats Jeff! Looking good buddy
Very good interview with Jeff Gordon
Hendrick hired Geoff Bodine back in the 70's and Bodine, helped to make Hendricks the team it is today, with his win at the Daytona 500.
@colbydobbs6399
2 жыл бұрын
That’s often forgotten in the whole grand scheme of things too. HMS may not even exist without Geoff Bodine’s success in the 80’s.
@donaldthomas7753
2 жыл бұрын
@@colbydobbs6399 Right! Hendricks was hurting financially and Bodine put them on the map........sort of speak.
@donaldthomas7753
2 жыл бұрын
@@colbydobbs6399 I grew up in up state NY and watched Geoff race modified class for years. He Brett and Todd are sort of local celebs in Nascar. Geoff also introduced power steering to the sport as well.
@johnrichjr.415
2 жыл бұрын
@@donaldthomas7753 modifieds will always be my favorite, watching my favorite driver every weekend , NASCAR only 9 time champ , Richie Evans 👍 That finish at Martinsville with Geoff, incredible!
@donaldthomas7753
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnrichjr.415 God rest his soul. Richie was a household name in the Northeast and beyond
Will miss Jeff calling the races on Fox.. but this is where he belongs.
@devonmartinez780
2 жыл бұрын
Did he say he’s not?
@S.K.R.E.Inc.
2 жыл бұрын
Fox is going to suck 2022-2024
@DJ_Mooseknucks
2 жыл бұрын
Clint was pretty entertaining. Including Mike Joy those 2 are pretty solid. Another good third would be great though.
@bucky13
2 жыл бұрын
@@devonmartinez780 That's what I read in an article a couple months ago.
@bucky13
2 жыл бұрын
@@DJ_Mooseknucks Agreed.
Being an old Dale Sr. fan for many years, Jeff being his nemesis, therefor by extension he was also mine, lol. I have to give Jeff props for doing such a good job over the years, both on and off the track. Hendrick will be around for a long time at the top of the sport with the great folks Rick employs, Jeff Gordon and Chad Knaus will be a huge part of that management team. Chase and Kyle as drivers will definitely be getting it done on the track well into the future. My driver, Kyle Busch and JGR as a team, have plenty of competition and their work cut out for them trying to stay atop the Hendrick crew. Looking forward to 2022 with the new car, however I would like to see 950+ horsepower again eventually, taking the aerodynamic advantage away from the leader. I wish them all God speed and a great (safe) future!
Rick Hendrick is an amazing person. One of the nicest people ive ever met
I’ve seen Jeff go from a rookie to a four time champion. I was always both a HMS and DEI fan. Of course DEI folded so HMS took over as my all time favorite. Jeff you have great drivers working for you. You’ll win so many more championships over the years.
Pretty clear from Jeff’s eyeballs that he’s been on a nonstop championship party bender for the last four days.
@TinHatRanch
2 жыл бұрын
I️ was gonna say his chin(s). He looks like a bloated rock star from the 70’s. No offense, he’s always looked svelte.
@scottv.2182
2 жыл бұрын
Pretty glassed over for sure. lol
@walkerch
2 жыл бұрын
He has just gained some weight since he retired from racing
@malig0413
2 жыл бұрын
Looks like a few Botox injections.
Jeff is my nascar hero bar none...he came in just as I was getting into nascar and I was his fan before he won his first championship...if evernham would have stayed he definitely would have won more than 7 titles. He would be considered the goat period bar none....he is in my book regardless.
He was/is my favorite driver from his debut in NASCAR until the day he retired. Until then it was Dale Sr.
Growing up in Dover in the 60’s & 70’s I was lucky enough to see some of the greatest NASCAR Drivers of the day. I served in the military 1974-94 and sorta fell out of NASCAR. In 1995, I got back into it. I like Dale SR, but didn’t want to be a bad wagon fan. I picked up on Jeff & stuck with him until his retirement. After his retirement, I picked Larson to follow. Good honest interview Jeff; I can see your enthusiasm in Hendricks.
Hendricks motorsports pure class!
Jeff has a tough roll ahead of him. To carry the Hendricks legacy into the future and beyond. Mr. Hendricks foot print is impossible to fulfill.
@irongoatrocky2343
2 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't say impossible, but it will be some mighty big shoes to fill...... Mr H. has groomed Jeff all along....including the two of them being co owners of the 48 car!
@carlpark1006
2 жыл бұрын
Here’s the thing though without Jeff Gordon, you don’t get Jimmie Johnson. Jeff was also big in getting Kyle Larson this second time around. Jeff is massive in seeing the talent and getting them to join Hendricks. He’ll continue to do great and the lineup of drivers he has are all pretty talented.
@SWiFTMK7
2 жыл бұрын
If ANYONE can, it's him.
@sergeantmasson3669
2 жыл бұрын
@@carlpark1006 Without Ray Evernham, Jeff Gordon would've been a nobody. Jimmie Johnson was already a successful race car driver BEFORE he ever met Jeff Gordon or Rick Hendrick.
@SpeedDemon88X
2 жыл бұрын
Hendrick*
Damn I really miss Jeff Gordon driving
Jeff is going to be a fantastic owner 👍
@rickarra1833
2 жыл бұрын
He's part owner of the #5
Thank you for sharing.
jeff your the best big fan since the 90s hendrick motor sports is in good hands in the future thanks.
23Hamlet24 0 seconds ago Jeff is the ultimate champion, it was nice to see him at the track celebrating the championship. Congrats to Kyle, his team and HMS for a stellar season. 24ever 🙌 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 J. Johnson-7 J. Gordon-4 T. Labonte-1 C. Elliott-1 K. Larson-1
Happy to see Jeff in this new roll
Congratulations Jeff Gordon to be a great car owner of handrick motorsports in 2022 next year NASCAR’s cup series season next year
2022 Jeff will have this same interview!
Jeff Gordon is the star of stars besides being the great race car driver that he is and was founding the Jeff Gordon foundation which is a foundation that does so much for kids with cancer Jeff Gordon with 93 wins will be the winningest driver in the modern era
Can Jeff Gordon bridge the generation gap between the rookies and the old salters? Happy H. said he thought his problems/clashes with youngster Elliot (Chase, not Bill) were generational. I see it being a paradigm shift. But a good shift because it can be captured and used to promote the sport! Mr. Hendrick will age out eventually (yes a huge empire, but the Romans are also gone) - Jeff has all he needs to continue at that great organization esp. if he is the appointed one at HMS. But the focus to make the sport great should be the pass off between "the old/experienced and the young/blazing." I believe that HMS will keep on, Jeff or no Jeff. Let's agree, encouraging competition will keep the sport viable - we need small teams like The Wood Bros - and we need a good portrayal between the great and the rook(ie) to keep the edge spontaneous and edgy and great! BTW, this sport needs to be ota on regular free TV (no for a fee), because it is the regular working guy that supports it - do not feed the chasm!
It has to be intimidating for the other Cup Series teams to know they have to compete with HMS every race. With Jeff Gordon running the business side, Chad Knaus leading the competition side and 4 great driver and crew chief combinations HMS is going to dominate NASCAR for at least another decade.
@charlieb8788
2 жыл бұрын
All orgs have ups and downs... Hendrick just seems to recover better from the downs.
Jeff is a FANTASTIC addition to HMS. He's an absolute WEALTH of talent and information. (I do think quite frankly....that Dale Jr. ad a lit to do with HMS success as well as EVERYONE all the way beck to Tim....Geoff....TERRY... obviously....)Every single associate... not worker.....has had a hand in their industry success.
@markdooley767
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah... I know. I hate talk to text. I grew up in Wilkes County North Carolina so language or how Google accepts my language is not always the best. Save North wilkesboro speedway please
Jeff Gordon is the GOAT!
Great interview.
I think jeff will rock at the helm of Hendrick. Best of luck
Jeefs fantastic Dreive. Top.big Respekt. Good Luck.
Rick made Hendrick Motorsports great and long term successful by hiring the best from top to bottom and promoting from within. Other owners like bud moore, junior johnson,, Robert Yates, and RCR had short term success because they only focused on hiring the best drivers at the time
I've heard that with merchandise sales, Dale Earnhardt made drivers rich, but Jeff Gordon got them jets.
Jimmy Johnson carried the organization.and carried the sport for years too..and now with Kyle and Chase ..Hendricks will be in contention for years..
I’m certain that had Ricky lived Geoff would not be in this position. However Rick Sr. I believe would have found a management position for him. Such is the love and respect that Rick and Geoff have for each other
Jeff and Chad will have HMS be unstoppable for a long time
He has put on weight since he was in the booth!
@S.K.R.E.Inc.
2 жыл бұрын
He's not slick and young as he used to be...
Jeff Gordon is a stand up man!
Gordon and Bobby Labonte as they have gotten older have strong mullet games in the back
Whenever Rick goes to meet the lord Jeff will be CEO it will be in good hands
Class act!
Excellent
I would say 2007 was the best year for hms
Larson had a lot of lows and a lot of highs within the past couple years he definitely deserved the championship and I’m a Truex fan.
I would love to know who it was threw that brake part (part of a rotor?) out a window. Did a car actually have a brake failure?
@marknorris3769
2 жыл бұрын
yeah , 1 brake pad changed everything , championships shouldn't be determined by 1 brake pad
Such a class act
Class act.
Your the best Jeff.
Should be a 7 time champ
Larson Pulled a Jeff Gordon 10 wins and a championship that's Classic Jeff back in 95. I would love to see Larson switch into the 24 car.
It's so cool that nascar has a billionaire owner in Mr Hendrick I bought my 2021 tahoe from one of his dealerships. Most rich owners are stick& ball sports. I'm glad I'm a nascar fan jeff is going to be It's next billionaire owner
@ScottXC91
2 жыл бұрын
Wow. I started to reply “don’t be crazy, Rick Hendrick is not a billionaire” but then I stopped and looked it up. He’s really a billionaire. Sheesh.
The perfect guy to perhaps replace Mr Hendrick one day.
He looks like Robin William
Power for Living
He's ageing really quickly
@charlieb8788
2 жыл бұрын
Maturing's the word.
Because Jeff and Dail Jr. Are that close to being Mr. Hendricks boys. Adios 🤠🇺🇸🐎🥩🏁🥞
Jeff Gordon: *has 3 seasons in a row where he wins 10+ races Also Jeff Gordon: “I’m not as talented as Kyle Larson is…” I love this man so much
@SirMan48
2 жыл бұрын
He's right. Not may are. Gordon isn't as talented as Tony Stewart either. But the difference from Gordon/Johnson and Stewart/Larson is that Gordon and Johnson could harness all the raw talent they had, apply it to the vehicle. Being a race car driver takes more than just talent. Is Larson a greater talent that Gordon and Johnson? In a vacuum, sure. Is he a better race car driver? Absolutely not. Gordon, Jimmie were smarter, have a longer body of work executing at a high level. Etc.
@ringoflatts6571
2 жыл бұрын
@@SirMan48 I see where you’re coming from, I would say that Tony and Kyle are all around better race car drivers, but Jeff is the better Nascar driver (so far) but we are still early in kyles career, and he could end up passing Jeff in certain categories. But we also have to keep in mind that Jeff was doing this type of stuff in 95 when he was 24-25, and winning a total of 40 races between 95-98 when he was 24-27, meanwhile Larson hasn’t really hit a big stride until age 28-29. But we also have to take into account that Jeff started his cup career in premier equipment, while Kyle had to work his way up through Chip Genassi and miss an entire season, so it’s not exactly possible to know if Kyle would have had more early success. But also age isn’t always an indicator of all-star success, as Earnhardt won his first cup at 29 and didn’t win the last ones until he was in his late 30s/early 40s.
@UTNatlChamps
2 жыл бұрын
@@SirMan48 Honest question, man. How does someone judge talent in a sport like NASCAR? I’m new to the sport and trying to learn more, so I’m intrigued on how we can judge one driver as more talented than another. Is it reflexes, peripheral vision, or is it something else. Honest question.
Man I have a song for nascar it all nascar
When someone starts out the sentence I'm there to get them to start work sooner than they think they should that tells you a little bit about them. 😂
Never was a huge Jeff fan, I loved Earnhardt, but your being illogical if you don’t recognize he is a champion and knows what it takes. Just like Tom Brady, never a big fan but now I admire him and Jeff.
"I've only known racing since I was 5 yrs old" JG
The Goat
DAMN JEFF IS GETTING OLD
I really hope that Larson doesn't sign with an F1 team , and leave NASCAR he has a chance to be the best Nascar driver of all time if he will stay there.
@lewiskemp5893
2 жыл бұрын
No chance at F1. Doesnt have points to get a license. It will take a couple years of open wheel. Probably in europe racing
My GOAT!
Its got to be a big change for him being on top of the pit box and not in the Car taking the championship.